Introduction
In this post, we will guide you through getting started with the Modbus Mapper Pro application for the first time. Whether you’re new to Modbus RTU communication or looking for a tool to simplify and enhance your workflow, this guide will cover the essential steps for installation, setting up your preferred mode, and using key features such as real-time monitoring and dynamic Modbus mapping. By the end of this introduction, you’ll be ready to use Modbus Mapper Pro effectively to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize your Modbus-based systems.
Refer to the User’s Manual on Installation and Running the application.
Assuming the Modbus Mapper Pro application is installed and running, the first step is to choose the mode in which you want to operate it. For simplicity, we will use Mode 2 – ‘Listen Only’, which allows you to sniff Modbus RTU data from an existing communication between a Client and a Server. Please review the “Overview of Modes” for both modes of operation.
Click on ‘Listen Only Switch’ to turn on listing-only mode and Enable COM 3 for the Server port to use it as listen-only. Click Start. Note: We are using FTDI RS485 tap in the existing two-wire RS485 communication wires to listen to ongoing traffic and set it to the same baud rate. See the diagram below.
Start Listening
To begin using the Modbus Mapper Pro application, ensure it is installed and running. The initial step is to select your desired operating mode. For ease of use, we recommend choosing Mode 2 – ‘Listen Only’. This mode enables you to monitor Modbus RTU data from an active communication between a Client and a Server. Please refer to the Overview of Modes in the User’s Manual for details on both operational modes.
To start (1) Activate the ‘Listen Only Switch’ to enable the listening mode, and (2) configure COM3 as the Server port for listen-only functionality. And (3) finally, Click the Start to start monitoring.
Note: that we are utilizing an FTDI RS485 tap connected to the existing two-wire RS485 communication lines to capture ongoing traffic, ensuring it is set to the same baud rate. Refer to the diagram below for further clarification.
Quick Start Steps: (1) Enable Choose server COM port (2) Turn on the Listen Only switch on Server RS485 Port (3) Click Start.
Client Request View
Navigate to the Client Request View to observe the requests sent by the Modbus RTU Client. Ensure the ‘Show Requests’ switch is turned on to display the latest items. The columns provide detailed information, including Slave ID, Modbus Function Code, Modbus Address, the 6-digit-based address commonly used by the Modbus Monitor XPF application, and Register Counts.
Notice that the client has made 182 unique Modbus requests, dynamically generating a Modbus map within seconds. This feature eliminates the need for extensive setup, costly tools, or specialized Modbus knowledge to create such a map.
You can save or copy the newly generated Modbus map, making it ready to share or use in your analysis and diagnostics.
Modbus Map View
To view Modbus request values in a natural, live format, click the Modbus Map View button. Using the [[+]] button (tag button left of trash can), you can automatically convert all Modbus requests from previous steps into a dynamic Modbus map. This map can be customized and enhanced with options like Byte Swap, Numerical Format Type, Gain, and Offset, allowing for precise adjustments. The conversion process attempts to infer the data type based on the number of registers in each request, but users can manually update these settings to align with their specific device configurations. You can add or remove monitor points as needed and assign meaningful names to each Modbus monitoring point for clarity. Once your desired data points are configured, enabling the Auto Update feature lets you monitor values as they update and refresh in real time, offering a seamless and efficient way to analyze live Modbus data.
Communication Logs View
To view the actual traffic between the client and server, navigate to the Communication Logs View. Ensure the Log On switch is enabled to display live requests and responses from each serial port, along with decoded messages and their corresponding values. To automatically scroll to the most recent entries, turn on the Scroll switch. This feature provides a real-time view of communication, making it easier to analyze and debug interactions.
Summary
In this quick start guide, we’ve walked you through the initial steps of using Modbus Mapper Pro, including installation, selecting the appropriate mode, and utilizing key features such as real-time monitoring and dynamic Modbus mapping. By following these steps, you can effectively monitor and analyze Modbus RTU communications, facilitating efficient diagnostics and system optimization. For a more comprehensive understanding and advanced functionalities, we recommend exploring the detailed user manual and additional resources provided by Quantum Bit Solutions.
